Specialtours

BOSTON ATHENÆUM

SICILY

with Director and Librarian Paula Matthews and Guest Lecturer Peter Lauritzen

September 14 - 26, 2013

______SICILY September 14 - 26, 2013 with Guest Lecturer Peter Lauritzen

This tour of the Mediterranean’s largest island allows ample opportunity to explore in detail the breathtaking treasures of a millennial culture and civilization. Long before Florence or even Rome had any significance in the Italian cultural story, was at the heart of a great civilization. Our twelve-day exploration begins in Taormina, famous for its dramatic situation high above the Ionian sea, a refuge for Greeks from the island’s oldest colony, , just south of the Messina straits which we cross to see the legendary “Bronzes of Riace,” the finest heroic sculptures to survive anywhere in the classical world. Our drives along Sicily’s eastern coastline take us beneath the constantly erupting volcano of Aetna, first described by in an ode celebrating the triumph of a Sicilian Greek tyrant at the Olympic Games. Two nights in Syracuse in a hotel overlooking the port which saw the defeat of the mighty Athenian navy by Dorian Greeks in 413 B.C. in an epochal action described by , allow us to explore monuments of Sicily’s Greek past such as the largest Greek theater ever excavated, the quarries where thousands of Athenian prisoners were imprisoned by the Syracusans, along with the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, second oldest in the Greek world, or the Temple of Athena built to commemorate a great Greek victory on October 20th, 480 B.C., the very day that saw the salvation of Greek Democracy at the Battle of Salamis among the islands in the Bay of Athens. But like our visit the day before to a great private patrician palace in or our lunch in the gardens of a princely Roman family, our dinner in Palazzo Beneventano on Syracuse’s most beautiful square allows us to appreciate another era of Sicilian splendor some 2200 years later at the height of a lavish Baroque culture when Sicily was governed from Palermo by Spanish viceroys. Leaving Syracuse for , we stop at the little known site of Hellenistic , source of looted treasures at long last returned to the exquisite little local museum from the Getty Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of New York. At nearby , the newly re-housed and reopened site of an imperial villa now displays the most extensive Roman mosaic pavements to be found in situ anywhere in the ancient world, while our completely refurbished hotel at Agrigento is a villa set in the olive and almond groves of an amazing archaeological park containing more than a half dozen examples of fifth-century B.C. Doric temple architecture, many illuminated at night for a spectacular vision of classical beauty and harmony. by the sea and high in the mountains brings our classical tour to a suitably dramatic conclusion, while our hotel in the very heart of historic Palermo, first made a capital of the islands by its Saracen conquerors, allows us a convenient base for exploring the legacy of the city’s Norman and Imperial conquerors. The enriched Palermo with the fabulous mosaic decoration of churches built to enhance their kingdom in the south, from the recently restored Palatine Chapel and the later Royal Abbey of Monreale to their intended mausoleum church at Cefalú. The last Norman heiress became the mother of one of Sicily’s most famed rulers, the Hohenstaufen Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, still known to European history as “Stupor Mundi,” the Wonder of the World. His granddaughter would bring his beloved kingdom to the rulers of and through their marriage to Queen Isabella la Cattolica of Castille into the empire of Spain. This last fabulous period in the history of Sicilian art brings us to encounter one of the most exquisite treasures of Italian renaissance painting by Antonello da Messina, to see the astonishing decorative skill of workers in marmi mischi and to meet Giacomo Serpotta, a sculptor worthy of the finest Europe could produce in the eighteenth century. Private visits and entertainments in Palermo at the house of Giuseppe Lanza Tomasi di Lampedusa’s adopted son and heir as well as a reception in the palace where Luchino Visconti filmed the most spectacular scenes for Lampedusa’s masterpiece “Il Gattopardo” (“The Leopard”) bring our twelve days to a suitably impressive conclusion.

______SICILY

September 14 - 26, 2013

ITINERARY (subject to amendment)

Saturday September 14th

Depart USA on flights to Rome.

Sunday September 15th

Arrive Rome Fiumicino International airport. Take connecting flight to Catania in Sicily. Be met by mini-van, driver and our Guest Lecturer for the transfer to Taormina. Check into the five-star Hotel San Domenico. Optional late afternoon orientation walk in the town. Evening reception with an introduction to the tour, followed by dinner in the hotel (on the terrace-weather permitting). TAORMINA

Monday September 16th

Drive by mini-van along the coast to Messina, crossing the Straits of Messina to Reggio di . Visit the Archaeological Museum to see the fifth- century “Bronzes of Riace.” Return to Taormina Buffet lunch at Casa Cuseni, home of the late Daphne Phelps. Afternoon at leisure Dinner independently TAORMINA

Tuesday September 17th

Visit the Greco-Roman Theatre and walk through Taormina to see the Roman Odeon and Naumachia, the Arabo-Norman Palazzo Corvaja and the Gothic and Baroque palaces and churches of the town with a visit to the Norman cathedral. Lunch on the terrace (weather permitting) of the Grand Hotel Timeo with time to explore the gardens. Afternoon at leisure Dinner independently TAORMINA

Wednesday September 18th Depart Taormina (with luggage) to spend the morning visiting Catania. Drive the length of the Via Aetnea, passing the remains of the Roman amphitheatre where St. Agatha was martyred. Pass the churches of San Michele and the Collegiata on foot to see the University buildings and the Cathedral Square. Walk through the picturesque market before continuing on past Sant’Agata and the Norman apses of the Duomo to the great baroque Palazzo

______Biscari, to visit the state and private apartments at the kind invitation of the Princess Moncada and her son. Continue to Lentini. Lunch at the Case del Bivere of Princess Maria Carla Borghese and on to the gardens. After lunch drive to Syracuse passing the great fourth-century B.C. Greek fortifications of Epipolae before reaching the ancient city’s peninsula, Ortygia. Check into the Grand Hotel Ortygia (harbor-view rooms) for two nights. Afternoon walk to visit the ruins of the sixth-century B.C. Temple of Apollo, followed by a visit to the cathedral built on the site of the Greek Temple of Athena. Return to the hotel for dinner in the roof top restaurant. SYRACUSE Thursday September 19th Drive to visit the Archaeological Museum, including the collection of antique Greek coins, before visiting the theatre and the adjacent stone quarries. Lunch at Ristorante Le Antiche Siracusane. Afternoon at leisure with an opportunity to explore Ortygia or visit the Palazzo Bellomo Museum. Evening reception and dinner as guests of Baron and Baroness Beneventano in the magnificent Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco on the Cathedral Square. SYRACUSE Friday September 20th Leave Syracuse (with luggage) to visit the little-known archaeological site of Morgantina and the museum of . Lunch at Ristorante da Totò in the town of Piazza Armerina. After lunch visit the extraordinary Villa Imperiale with its remarkable Roman mosaic floors. Continue to Agrigento and check into the luxury Hotel Villa Athena (Temple- view rooms) set in the olive and almond groves of the archaeological zone for a stay of two nights. Dinner in hotel AGRIGENTO

Saturday September 21st Drive to visit the extraordinary Greek Doric temples of Agrigento on foot. Afterwards visit the remarkable small Archaeological Museum of Agrigento. Buffet lunch at the Villa Athena Hotel. Afternoon at leisure with a visit to see the Sunday evening passeggiata in Agrigento. Dine in the hotel AGRIGENTO

Sunday September 22nd Depart Agrigento (with luggage) for Palermo, stopping to visit Selinunte and its fifth-century B.C. Doric temple, Acropolis, Hippodamaean planned city, and fourth-century B.C. fortifications. ______Lunch in Selinunte with view of sea. After lunch continue to Segesta to visit the Hellenistic Greek and the extraordinary Doric temple. Drive into Palermo to check into the Hotel Centrale Palace in the heart of the historic city for a stay of four nights. Dine in the rooftop restaurant of the hotel. PALERMO

Monday September 23rd Drive to visit Palermo’s Archaeological Museum and continue on to the Palace of the Normans and its Palatine Chapel. Walk to visit the church and garden of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and drive to visit the Cathedral and see the tombs of the Kings of Sicily. Lunch in Monreale. After lunch visit the great Cathedral and its cloisters before returning to Palermo to visit the Norman church of the Martorana and San Cataldo. Dinner independently PALERMO

Tuesday September 24th Walk to visit the Quattro Canti and continue on foot past the church of San Francesco to visit the Palazzo Mirto and the collections of the Museo Nazionale in Palazzo Abatellis. Leave by coach for Cefalù for lunch in a restaurant overlooking the sea. Visit the Mandralisca Museum and the great Norman cathedral of Cefalù. Return to Palermo. Evening performance at the Teatro Massimo (subject to scheduling). PALERMO

Wednesday September 25th

Walk to see the Jesuit church of the Casa Professa and the church of Santa Caterina. Visit the Oratorian church of San Giuseppe before continuing to visit the Oratory of San Lorenzo, the Oratory of Santa Maria del Rosario and the Oratory of Santa Cita. Lunch independently Afternoon at leisure Evening reception at the Palazzo Gangi (subject to confirmation). Farewell dinner at Palazzo Butera as guests of Duca and Duchessa Lanza Tomasi di Lampedusa. PALERMO

Thursday September 26th

Leave for the airport for connecting flights to the U.S.

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The Ultimate Travel Company Tour Conditions

The tour has been designed for the members of the Boston Athenæum by The Ultimate Travel Company. The cost of $8,450 per person in double occupancy and $1,475 supplement for single occupancy is based on a minimum of 15 persons and includes:

Accommodation in the listed hotels including porterage, transportation by motorcoach throughout the tour including arrival and departure transfers and the boat excursion, meals: buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners including private visits, and wine, water, coffee and welcome drinks, all entrances to museums, monuments and sites, services of guides and lecturer Peter Lauritzen and the services of a tour manager.

The cost does not include: Flights to and from Europe, any meals indicated independent, personal extras.

Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required by February 28th, 2013. The balance is required by July 10th, 2013.

Passport: All clients are personally responsible for ensuring that they have a valid passport. Please check that the passport is valid 6 months beyond the tour starting date of September 14, 2013.

Cancellation: You may cancel your tour at any time, providing that the cancellation is made by the person who signed the booking form and is communicated in writing. As this incurs administration costs, we will retain the deposit and in addition will apply cancellation charges as follows: More than 60 days, the deposit; more than 45 days, 50%; more than 25 days, 75%; 24 days or less, 100%. Cancellation insurance is strongly advised.

Liability: We do not exclude or limit any liability to our clients which may arise from proven negligence by any person employed directly by us or by our suppliers and subcontractors, servants or agents of the same whilst acting in the course of their employment (other than air and sea carriers performing any domestic internal or international carriage of whatever kind) in respect of death, bodily injury or illness. Such liabilities shall be subject to English law and all proceedings shall be within the exclusive domain of the English courts. We shall endeavor to afford general assistance to our clients in the event of illness, injury or death during the period of the tour. We accept responsibility for ensuring that all parts of the tour are supplied as described and that all services shall reach a reasonable standard. These obligations and responsibilities shall be limited to where international conventions in respect of air or sea carriers apply. Naturally we cannot assume responsibility for loss or expense due to war, riots, strikes, terrorist activities or natural disaster.

Alterations by The Ultimate Travel Company Limited: We will do our utmost to provide the tour arrangements that have been confirmed, but we must retain the right to modify or cancel any tour, flight schedule, accommodation or arrangement, if unforeseen circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’ arise.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend you take out adequate travel insurance. Particular care should be taken to ensure you have adequate cover, in particular for trip cancellation and medical emergency repatriation. In the event that you do not have travel insurance you understand that by signing the registration form with The Ultimate Travel Company you will not under any

______circumstances hold them responsible for any personal expenditure that would have been covered by a normal fully inclusive Travel Insurance Policy.

Fitness to travel: Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason.

Baggage & Personal Effects: These remain your responsibility and risk at all times.

Air Travel: Air fare is not included in the tour price. Flights can be arranged through your preferred local Travel Agent. Please do not commit to non-refundable travel arrangements until you have been notified by The Ultimate Travel Company that the tour has been confirmed (ie. a minimum number of participants have committed).

The Ultimate Travel Company Limited Registered Office: 10 London Mews, London W2 1HY Registered No. 3528325 ABTA No. G0638 &W0745 ATOL No. 5111 IATA No. 91255931

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SICILY: September 14 - 26, 2013 REGISTRATION FORM

TOUR COST: $8,450 per person in a double room (based on a minimum of 15 persons). $1,475 supplement for a double room for single occupancy.

A tax-deductible contribution check of $300 payable to the Boston Athenæum should be sent directly to the Boston Athenæum.

Name/s: ...... Address: ...... Email: ...... Telephone: ...... Rooming request: ⧠ King / Queen ⧠ Twin (2 separate beds) ⧠ Double room for single occupancy

Travel Insurance: Yes, I have insurance with ………………… Policy No…...... ……………… Or No, ⧠ I do not have travel insurance (see tour conditions) The booking conditions regarding the holiday have been read and accepted by me on behalf of all persons named on this booking form by whom I am duly authorized to make this agreement.

Signature:...... Date:…………………………………. To confirm your reservation please remit the sum of $ 750 (one person) or $ 1500 (two persons) to: The Ultimate Travel Company Limited and return this form by fax, post or email to: Sophie Pullan: The Ultimate Travel Company, 25 - 27 Vanston Place, London SW6 1AZ, UK Fax: 011 44 207 386 8652 Direct Line: 011 44 207 386 4677 Email: [email protected] Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AMEX). Payment by credit card will be debited at the equivalent amount in £ sterling. Note: US Dollar checks are not accepted. Please debit $ ...... to MasterCard / VISA / AMEX Credit Card No: _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ /_ _ _ _ Expiry date: _ _ / _ _ Security Code: _ _ _

Card Holder Signature:...... Date:…………………………………. OR by Bank Transfer to: The Ultimate Travel Company Limited, Account Number: SIGFUL USD 1 (00256572) Royal Bank of Scotland plc. (Drummonds Branch) Sort Code: 16-00-38 49 Charing Cross, London SW1A 2DX Swift Code / BIC: RBOS GB 2L Ref: Boston Athenaeum/ S071 IBAN Code: GB87 RBOS 1663 0000 256572

The Ultimate Travel Company Limited Registered Office: 10 London Mews, London W2 1HY Registered No. 3528325 ABTA No. G0638 &W0745 ATOL No. 5111 IATA No. 91255931

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